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Trend following using exchange traded funds (ETFs) has a host of advantages, the primary one being that it helps you leave your emotions at the door. Emotional decision-making has been the downfall of many a portfolio. But not everyone is on board with the strategy.

Trend following is a strategy in which investors use trend lines to determine when they’re in and out of the markets. The strategy enables entry on potential long-term uptrends while limiting downside risk.

Grealish urges investors to engage in a disciplined asset allocation strategy to help take out the emotions in investing. An increase in value of an asset class will put the allocation out of equilibrium and require selling a part of the appreciated asset to balance out a portfolio.

Another option Grealish suggests is to become a “fully invested bear.” Believing that the current rally will continue, market strategists and many others have remained fully invested, but these are the same people who have also stated that things could “end badly.” This situation suggests that the investors are either willing to pay the consequences or expect to know when to sell, which is highly unlikely. [5 tips for getting started.]

Asset allocation doesn’t require much discipline beyond periodically rebalancing, which makes it a good strategy if you’re a hands-off kind of investor. But asset allocation does not protect you from bear markets – you have to tough those out and the last decade hasn’t been particularly kind. [What to avoid when investing in ETFs.]